Bethel Sophomore Awarded “Realizing the Dream” Scholarship From Independent Colleges of Indiana

Twenty-nine first-generation Indiana college students got a boost to their education funds this academic year and re-connected with influential educators who helped along the way after being named “Realizing the Dream” recipients by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI). These 29 scholarship recipients, one from each of Indiana’s private, non-profit colleges and universities, were celebrated at a banquet on Feb. 24. This year’s Bethel University recipient is Smyrna Masih, originally from Pakistan, a Christian ministry major with a minor in psychology.

Bethel Receives Lilly Endowment Grant to Advance the Science of Reading, Open Literacy Center

Bethel University has received a grant of $499,375 from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, Advancing the Science of Reading in Indiana. The grant will support Bethel’s education preparation program in meeting the State of Indiana’s Science of Reading mandate. This will include redeveloping literacy curriculum, providing professional development for all literacy professors and opening a brand-new literacy center. The BU Center for Literacy will be dedicated to advancing Science of Reading education in Bethel’s undergraduate programs, promoting certifications and endorsements for Bethel graduates as they enter the field, and serving as a community resource for K-12 teachers in schools in the Mishawaka area.

Bethel Pilots Win National Championships

In March of 2024, the Bethel Pilots Competitive Cheer team was the Christian Cheerleaders of America Grand Champion in its first year competing at the CCA Collegiate National Championship, with a score of 70.6 in the first round and 73.5 in the second round.

The Bethel Pilots Women’s Soccer team won its first NCCAA National Championship in program history on Nov. 28, 2023, 1-0 over the Southwestern Assemblies of God Lions at the Austin-Tindall Soccer Complex.

The Bethel Pilots Women’s Golf team completed the first three-peat in Bethel University history by winning the NCCAA National Championship for the third-straight year in the fall of 2023.

Bethel Hosts Admitted Student Days

Incoming students for the 2024-25 school year joined future classmates and connected on a deeper level with the Bethel community during a special invitation-only overnight visit March 14-15. They made new friends and got a jump start on university life. Throughout the event, students met with professors, registered for their first two classes, worshiped with the Bethel community during chapel, observed a class, enjoyed meals in the Dining Commons, experienced dorm life by spending the night and had the chance to envision life as a future Bethel Pilot.

Denomination Celebrates Second Annual Bethel Day With the Missionary Church

On Feb. 25, Missionary Churches across the nation and the world were invited to participate in Bethel Day with the Missionary Church, celebrating the denomination’s school with their congregations. Churches were encouraged to share a video and slides provided by the university and spend time praying for faculty, staff and students. This year, President Barb Bellefeuille spoke at Summit Church in Niles, Mich., where admission staff also greeted the congregation after service. At Saint Mark Missionary Church in Mishawaka, Ind., Bethel’s legacy was honored throughout their morning services, and yearbooks and photos of campus allowed the congregation to reflect on Bethel’s impact.

Music Department Hosts Second Annual Festival of Jazz

The second annual Festival of Jazz Closing Concert and Award Ceremony was held Feb. 17 in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center Auditorium, following a “Masters of Improvisation” clinic. This concluded a day where 10 area high school jazz bands gathered to perform, learn and improv with world-renowned professionals. It was an educational event designed to help band directors improve their jazz ensembles before the Indiana State School Music Association Jazz Contest in March.

Bethel Hosts Fine Arts Scholarship Day

On Feb. 5, 2024, Bethel University hosted a special scholarship day for prospective Fine Arts students. This event was for high school seniors who are looking to join the music, theatre and art departments, along with their families. Students received a one-time $500 scholarship toward their first year of tuition for attending, with opportunities for additional departmental scholarships up to $8,000.

Bethel University Hosts Latino Visit Experience

On Jan. 29, 2024, Bethel University hosted a Latino campus visit experience for Spanish-speaking high school juniors, seniors and transfer students and their families. Most of the visit was offered in Spanish or with translation. Students enjoyed the chance to connect with professors as well as attend chapel, a panel with students from the Latino Fellowship Club — UNIDOS, a campus tour and a presentation on financial aid information.

Former US Department. of Energy Official Kurt Heckman Speaks at Bethel University

Former U.S. Department of Energy official and current president of vCalc Kurt Heckman presented a lecture focused on artificial intelligence and advanced information technology at Bethel University on Nov. 29, 2023. The seminar was sponsored by Bethel’s computer science department and open to the public.

Bethel University Holds 5K and Broadway Showcase During Homecoming

Bethel University welcomed alumni and friends on campus to celebrate Homecoming weekend, Oct. 20-21, 2023. Two of the weekend’s events were open to the public. These included “It Takes Two: A Broadway Musical Showcase,” featuring actress Jennie Sophia and Shawn Holtgren, Ph.D., vice president for spiritual life and community affairs, and the Rise ’n Run 5K. Additional homecoming events included a “Chicken Finger Friday” dinner, live music and coffee at Heritage Meeting House, campus tours, a Future Pilots Zone, the Women’s Volleyball vs. Mt. Vernon game, Chili Dinner & Tailgate, the Men’s Soccer vs. Goshen College game and a bonfire with live music.

Fine Arts Department Presents Season of Productions

March 21- 23, 2024, the community was invited to come along for the whirlwind adventure of “Annie,” Bethel’s spring musical.

The Bethel University Genesians (drama group) presented “Charlotte’s Web,” adapted for the stage by Joseph Robinette and author E.B. White, on Nov. 2 and 3, 2023, for school and homeschool groups and on March 9, 2024, for the general public.

The annual Christmas concert, “Hallelujah Here Below,” on Dec. 2, 2023, featured the Percussion Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Voices of Triumph, Bethel Worship Collective, Concert Choir and a 40-member community children/youth choir. (4)

“Silent Sky,” a play by Lauren Gunderson, was directed by Derrick Null, November 2- 4, 2023.